Corrado Urges Murphy to Lift Gathering Restrictions for Graduation Ceremonies

Senator Kristin Corrado joined calls for Governor Phil Murphy to eliminate the 200-person limit on upcoming graduation ceremonies saying there should be parity with other types of celebrations that are not subject to outdoor gathering limits.

“Parents want to celebrate their children’s graduations without the gathering restrictions that don’t apply to other types of ceremonies and public events,” said Corrado (R-40). “We know outdoor events with social distancing and masks pose little risk, especially when you factor in our progress with vaccinations. At this point, the 200-person limit for outdoor graduation ceremonies is an unnecessary inconvenience that Governor Murphy must address.”

A month ago, Corrado called on the Murphy Administration to offer updated guidance to allow school districts to begin planning graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2021.

The administration released graduation guidelines soon thereafter based on updated outdoor gathering restrictions, including a general limit of 200 people.

Yesterday, Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) called for the governor to lift inconsistent outdoor gathering restrictions in advance of upcoming high school and college graduations.

He noted that under current executive orders, wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, funerals, memorial services, religious activities, and political activities are not subject to outdoor gathering limitations.

“Senator Bucco is 100% right. If it’s safe to hold an outdoor wedding reception, funeral, or political rally without gathering limits, it’s safe to hold a graduation too,” added Corrado. “Governor Murphy shouldn’t diminish the importance of graduation ceremonies to our students and their families. At some point, he’ll have to let people get back to living their lives.”